EU chief Donald Tusk labelled 'devilish, trident wielding, euro maniac' by DUP after extraordinary attack on Brexiteers

Donald Tusk and Leo Varadkar are now speaking in Brussels 

Tusk says the top priority for the EU remains avoiding a hard border in Ireland after Brexit, and avoiding a no-deal. 

"We will not gamble with this," he says, explaining why the commission is insisting on a backstop.

He also pours cold water on the idea of the UK reversing Brexit, saying: "There is no effective force or political leadership for Remain"

He also said of the Brexiteers: “‘I've been wondering what a special place in hell looks like for people who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely."

Mr Tusk said the EU was not making "any new offer" to the prime minister on the Brexit deal.

Speaking alongside Irish premier Leo Varadkar in Brussels, he said: "The position of the EU27 is clear, as expressed in the documents agreed with the UK Government - that is the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration.

"The EU27 is not making any new offer."

Prime minister's questions has now started - Theresa May's deputy, David Lidington, is stepping in for the prime minister as she visits Northern Ireland. 

Emily Thornberry, who is stepping in for Jeremy Corbyn, is asking the first question, quoting Mr Lidington's position as "effective deputy prime minister". 

"The only time effective and the PM are used together these days," she says.

Thornberry asks what will happen if we approach March and the significant, legally binding changes have not been made to the backstop. 

But Lidington says the PM will head to Brussels on Thursday, and discuss the next steps with her counterparts in the EU. 

He says the next "meaningful vote" will take place "as soon as possible" 

Emily Thornberry calls on David Lidington to seek a temporary extension of Article 50 and extend the negotiations. 

She says a full customs union is the "answer staring the government in the face" which will achieve a majority in the House of Commons, and avoid the chaotic scenario of a no-deal Brexit.

She says plan A has been rejected and plan B has been dismissed by the European Union, as she accuses the government of "sleepwalking the country into no plan and no deal at all" with just 50 days to go until Brexit.

Lidington hits back, saying Thornberry and the Labour frontbench need to "do the right thing" in the national interest and vote for a Brexit deal.